Hydration
Keeping Your Herd Hydrated
Hydrated Livestock: The Key to Profitable Farming
As farmers, we all know that hydration plays a crucial role in our livestock's health and well-being. But, have you ever stopped to think about how it affects your farm's profitability? The benefits of keeping your livestock hydrated extend far beyond just keeping them healthy.
When animals are dehydrated, their productivity levels plummet, resulting in decreased milk, egg, and meat production. This not only leads to a loss of revenue but also can have an adverse impact on the overall health of your livestock. Moreover, dehydration is also known to lower reproductive rates, leading to decreased breeding success and consequently, decreased livestock numbers.
The solution is simple- Ensure your livestock is well-hydrated, and you'll reap the rewards. Well-hydrated animals tend to have a higher feed intake, which can lead to higher levels of production. They also have better digestion, the immune system, and lower levels of stress. This means higher milk yields, better-quality eggs, and of course, healthier meat production.
But how do you ensure that your animals stay hydrated? Well, that's easy- ensure that your farm has a clean and reliable source of water and that your livestock always has access to it. Additionally, make sure to monitor the water quality and quantity, especially during the hot summer months.
In conclusion, we understand that farming is a tough job, but keeping your animals hydrated doesn't have to be. Hydrated livestock is the key to profitable farming, and as such, it's essential to ensure that your animals have access to clean water at all times. In doing so, your farm will not only be healthier and more productive, but it will also prosper in the long term.
Did you know?
On average, a cow drinks about 30 to 50 gallons (113 to 189 litres) of water per day!
How can McCaskie Help?
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on choosing the perfect water trough for your livestock. When it comes to providing clean and accessible water for your animals, the decision-making process involves considering various factors. Let's explore the key considerations to help you make an informed choice.
1. Choice of Water Trough: Concrete, Galvanized Steel, or Plastic?
Choosing the right material for your water trough is crucial for durability, maintenance, and ensuring the well-being of your livestock.
- Concrete: Our concrete water troughs are known for their strength and longevity. They can withstand heavy usage and extreme weather conditions, making them a reliable option for long-term use.
- Galvanized Steel: If you prefer a sturdy and corrosion-resistant option, galvanized steel water troughs are an excellent choice. They offer durability and are suitable for withstanding rough treatment from larger animals.
- Plastic: For a lightweight and easily portable option, our plastic water troughs are a popular choice. They are resistant to rust and corrosion, easy to clean, and provide insulation in both hot and cold weather.
2. Pipe Fittings: Explore the PhilMac Range
When it comes to connecting your water trough to a water source, high-quality pipe fittings are essential for a secure and leak-free connection. We proudly stock PhilMac pipe fittings, renowned for their exceptional performance and versatility.
- PhilMac offers a wide range of high-quality pipe fittings suitable for various pipe materials, ensuring compatibility with your specific setup.
- Whether you're using PVC, poly pipe, or other materials, PhilMac pipe fittings are designed to provide a reliable connection in both low and high-pressure environments.
3. Pipework: Choose PolyPipe for Flexibility and Resilience
Selecting the right pipework is crucial for maintaining a steady water supply to your troughs. We recommend PolyPipe for its flexibility and resilience, particularly in extreme cold conditions.
- PolyPipe is a flexible alternative to semi-rigid PVC, making it less prone to cracking or bursting in freezing temperatures.
- With its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, PolyPipe ensures a consistent water flow to keep your livestock hydrated year-round.
Did you know?
Water makes up approximately 87% of a cow's milk composition, highlighting the importance of adequate hydration for milk production.
Ritchie All Purpose Drinker (Galvanised Steel)
Fisher Alvin Livestock Drinker
PhilMac Fittings
Ritchie Deep Water Trough (Galvanised Steel)
Paxton WT-75-R Rectangular Drinking Trough
Polypipe Medium Density Pipe
By considering these factors and making informed decisions, you can ensure a reliable and efficient water supply system for your livestock. Investing in the right water trough, pipe fittings, and pipework will contribute to the overall health, productivity, and profitability of your farm.
At McCaskie, we understand the challenges of farming and the importance of keeping your animals well-hydrated. Make the right choice for your livestock's hydration. Contact us today to explore our wide selection of water troughs, pipe fittings, and pipework solutions tailored to your farm's requirements. Hydrated livestock is the foundation of a thriving and profitable farm, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
OVER 150 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE
RITCHIE was established over 150 years ago as a blacksmithing service to the local community of Gateside in the County of Angus, Scotland. This business expansion necessitated relocating from the country into the town of Forfar where RITCHIE continued to develop and manufacture products for both the livestock and arable industries.
Today RITCHIE occupy a 14-acre site on the outskirts of Forfar, which houses their manufacturing and business centre, and a manufacturing depot situated in Birmingham. Investment in the latest galvanising, CNC, robotic and computer technologies support a skilled and motivated workforce with products supplying the UK and world markets
Ritchie offers a range of galvanised water troughs in both shallow and deep models.
Shallow galvanised troughs start from 610 mm long and go to lengths of 1,830 mm; the deep troughs start at 910 mm to a maximum of 2,440 mm.
Manufacturer of livestock equipment
PAXTON is the market leader in the design, development and manufacture of plastic agricultural and water storage products. As part of Leafield Environmental, PAXTON produces a constantly expanding range of products which match the highest hygienic standards, and have a built-in strength and durability that enables them to withstand the rigours of the outdoors, promising years of trouble-free service.
The connection you can trust
Philmac is an extensive range of specialist fittings and valves for the safe transfer, control and application of water.
The Philmac range offers trusted solutions for the plumbing, utility, agricultural and irrigation sectors across the world. In the UK, the range is specified and installed by utilities, contractors and housing developers, supported by an extensive network of distribution partners who also support a wide variety of plumbing and agricultural businesses.
The comprehensive range is specifically designed for pressurised pipe systems and is suitable for working pressures up to 16 bar. With options including the 3G Metric Imperial fittings and the UTC Universal Transition Coupling, the Philmac range provides flexibility and fast, easy installation, and is WRAS-approved for drinking water applications.
A Quality Solution Everytime
With a proud history of over 100 years Fisher Alvin Ltd has been providing a wide range of drinkers to agricultural suppliers and farmers across the UK and worldwide for many years. From the self-filling drinkers suitable for a wide range of livestock through to specific ones for cattle, horses and nipple drinkers for pigs and sows Fisher Alvin is widely respected and used across the livestock farming community.